National Apprenticeship Week 2024 Q&A

To mark the end of National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke to some of our talented trainees to ask them what the programme means to them and how others can benefit from this pathway into construction…

Meet Liam Murray, Trainee Assistant Site Manager at Verdant Rise, Tilia Homes Central. Tell us a little about your apprenticeship experience, Liam…

What apprenticeship course are you undertaking?

I am working towards the Level 4 Site Supervisor course with the NHBC, comprising of 10 modules.

What have you found the most interesting part of the course and what do you think has helped you the most?

I’m enjoying all the different topics and how manageable the learning is. The course is only one day a week so I can comfortably manage the workload and my day-to-day role.

What has been the most challenging part of the course?

There is a lot of information to take in, so you have to take the time to absorb it all.

What has been a standout moment so far – an exciting moment, something you have enjoyed, a big learning moment?

The best part for me is any time I hand in an assignment, and I get the result back and I’ve passed!

How supportive is Tilia in your apprenticeship?

Tilia Homes has been brilliant and very supportive. We have our own office area on site for when we’re studying to make sure we have no distractions!

What is your career goal / what would you like to achieve in your career?

I’d love to manage my own site one day – that’s the goal!

Describe your course experience in 3 words…

Different. New. Exciting!

Adam Garner, Assistant Site Manager at Tilia Homes Northern’s Hambleton Rise in Easingwold is working towards his HNC in Construction…

What have you found the most interesting part of the course and what do you think has helped you the most?

The most interesting part of the course is the research we do for our assignments. For me personally that’s when I learn the most.

What has been the most challenging part of the course?

The hardest part of the course for me is finding the time to do the assignments whilst juggling work family kids and hobbies, but like other situations, you adjust, you adapt and find a way.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing an apprenticeship?

Go for it! You get the benefits or both on the job training as well as classroom training.

If I could describe my experience in 3 words…

Interesting. Valuable. Enjoyable.

Arron Sehra is an NHBC Construction Site Supervisor apprentice and currently a Trainee Assistant Site Manager at Landimore Park

Tell us a little about a typical day for you?

I work side by side the site manager and project manager and my main role is getting houses ready for inspection and handing them over to the customer. I then take care of customer care issues and help out where I can.

What has been a standout moment so far?

A standout moment for me was getting the recognition from my peers for the work I have put in and getting things completed on time. A big learning moment for me was being able to complete houses ready for inspection on my own and achieving a high score and recognition from the NHBC inspector regarding my improvement.

What is your advice for someone looking to pursue an apprenticeship?

I would advise anyone who is looking for an apprenticeship to look into the apprenticeship before starting. I completed my apprenticeship as a carpenter and progressed onto my current role but both job roles haven’t felt like work to me because I enjoy every day.

What is your career goal / what would you like to achieve in your career?

My current goal is to become a full assistant by the end of the year and then hopefully progress into doing my Level 6. I never want to stop learning and always aim to do better and climb as high as I can.

Describe your course experience in 3 words…

Informative, Challenging, Enjoyable